Duterte taps Aiza to lead NYC

Two more celebrities who supported President Duterte in the last elections have been given key government positions.

The President has appointed singer Cariza “Aiza” Seguerra as new chairperson of the National Youth Commission with a term of three years, Malacañang announced yesterday.

Seguerra’s wife, actress Mary Liza Diño, was also designated chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

The couple, who actively campaigned for Duterte during the presidential polls last May, joins the growing list of celebrities now working in government.

Recently, the President named musician Ramon “RJ” Jacinto as presidential adviser on economic affairs and information technology communications; television host Katherine de Castro as tourism undersecretary for media affairs; comedian Arnell Ignacio as Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. assistant vice president for community relations; and singer Jimmy Bondoc as Pagcor assistant vice president for entertainment.

Malacañang earlier defended the appointments of celebrities in government, saying it was the prerogative of the President to pick his team members. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)